ORGANISERS of this year’s Swindon and Wiltshire Pride event have a mountain to climb – a £25,000 high mountain to be precise.

In order to fund the popular event, the only one of its kind in the county, committee members have to raise the staggering amount before the summer.

Earlier this month we reported that The Mailcoach pub, which had been one of the biggest sponsors of the event, was closing due to financial pressures, which has affected the funding of the annual event.

Despite torrential downpours last year, the event still attracted thousands of people to the Town Gardens.

Committee member Adam Lewis said that if the people of Swindon and surrounding areas want the event to continue, they need to come out and support it.

“The main problem we have is making people aware of the fundraising events we arrange throughout the year and not just turning up on the day,” he said.

“It takes a lot to organise and we need support the whole year through.

“This is the only event of its kind in the whole of Wiltshire and if it is to carry on, we need people to get behind it.

“Swindon and Wiltshire Pride is a worthwhile family event; our aim is to tackle discrimination of Lesbian Gay Bi-Sexual and Transgender people in the county, and to promote equality and diversity in our community by bringing people together.”

Last year 80s punk star Toyah Willcox headlined the weekend event in August.

Adam said: “Last year we were surprised that we had in excess of 5,000 people despite the weather – the year before we had around 8,000.”

The committee has already begun arranging various fundraisers throughout the year to draw in sponsorship.

“We want to attract support from the entire community, our fundraising events this year are focused towards doing just that.”

There is still time to donate to Pride through the Give Pride a Present campaign running on the website.

The committee are busy organising a tea dance taking place on March 19, a ladies only night scheduled in April, and a second panto production – a take on the classic family favourite Cinderella.

This year, Swindon and Wiltshire Pride will take place on Saturday, August 6 at the Town Gardens, in Quarry Road.

You can keep up to date with the committee’s plans by signing up to the monthly email newsletter through the website.

The committee is also keen to hear from any company or individual who can help sponsor the event, volunteer, offer services or venue facilities. They are also looking for bands, comedians and performers who would like to perform on the community stage, which showcases local talent.

For more information, contact adam.lewis@swindonpride.com or log onto www.swindonpride.com.